Whether representing underprivileged citizens in housing court, helping overturn a wrongful conviction, arguing for a client in an unemployment compensation case, or providing pro bono support to an immigrant applying for citizenship, you will have opportunities to gain practical skills under the guidance of top legal practitioners.
We offer three types of experiential courses—clinics and practicums, externships, and simulations. Each integrates doctrine, theory, skills, and legal ethics. Students receive ample professional feedback and are also asked to self-evaluate. For JD students, each course counts toward the ABA’s 6-credit experiential learning requirement.
Other opportunities to gain experience, which do not count towards the experiential learning requirement, include serving on the editorial board of one of our six law journals, participating in moot court competitions, or observing oral arguments at one of the state and federal courts in Greater Boston. Many international students are eligible to participate in optional practical training upon completion of their degree, an ideal option for those seeking to gain hands-on experience in the US legal market.
Gain hands-on experience working with real clients on current cases or policy matters. JD students are guaranteed at least one clinical experience in their second or third year.
FULL YEAR – In this 12-credit clinic, students actively analyze and address the intersections of the legal system with the multiple systemic barriers faced by their clients living in poverty. Students will learn how identity, justice, and the legal system intersect.
FULL YEAR – Learn first-hand what it means to be a criminal law attorney by formulating trial strategy, filing pretrial motions, participating in plea bargaining, trying cases and making sentencing arguments.
ONE SEMESTER – Complete an environmental-law related legal project for a Boston-based environmental law organization, with topics such as clean energy, water regulation, and environmental justice.
FULL YEAR – Students take the lead representing individuals and families living in poverty in civil legal matters related to housing, family law, discrimination, wage-theft, unemployment benefits, or other poverty law issues.
ONE SEMESTER – Explore the impact of legal and regulatory compliance on business operations, legal norms underlying compliance, and the role of ethics in regulatory and compliance practice.
FULL YEAR – Work for global and regional human rights while representing non-governmental organizations and group clients from all parts of the world.
FULL YEAR – The BU/MIT Student Innovations Law Clinic (SILC) is a free and confidential legal service for students at MIT and BU who seek legal assistance related to their research, advocacy, and creative projects.
ONE SEMESTER – During this one-semester program, students learn the theoretical and practical aspects of law-making bodies through a combination of classwork and fieldwork.
FULL YEAR – Students learn practical legal skills while providing pro bono representation to vulnerable non-citizens facing deportation and survivors of human trafficking.
ONE SEMESTER – Students have an opportunity to help individuals who claim an unjust result after either a trial or guilty plea, and who need assistance from the legal community in investigating and developing their claims for presentation in the courts.
ONE SEMESTER – Health Justice Practicum students will address the interplay of law, policy, health systems, social identity, and health inequities.
ONE SEMESTER – In this practicum, students will engage in the direct representation of terminally ill and/or permanently incapacitated prisoners not otherwise entitled to counsel.
ONE SEMESTER – This practicum will train students in the traditions of community and movement lawyering, providing real-world opportunities to support racial justice projects in collaboration with community partners.
ONE SEMESTER – The Mental Health Litigation Practicum provides representation for persons allegedly living with mental illness who are facing commitment and involuntary treatment petitions.
FULL YEAR – In the Appellate Clinic, students litigate complex, public-interest cases in courts of appeals and the Supreme Court. Our clients are individuals and entities unlikely to obtain quality representation without the clinic’s assistance.
FULL YEAR – A 12-credit clinic in which students learn substantive consumer law and develop key litigation skills through client representation over two semesters.
Graduate & International Programs provides a variety of experiential learning opportunities tailored to the needs of students in our LLM and master's degree programs.
Here are but a few reasons: Boston is a major hub for law, business, medicine, technology, and government. It’s an international city with vibrant cultural, art, social, and entertainment communities. It comprises an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, from historic to modern to trendy, with a wide range of housing options for students. Boston is one of the world’s foremost centers of education and research. The list goes on.
Ten Boston University School of Law students share the stories of how they are making an impact in their BU Law Clinics and Practicums.
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